Vietnamese Tet, also known as Lunar New Year, is a time for family, celebration, and of course, delicious food. One of the most beloved aspects of Tet is the abundance of traditional snacks that fill every home. These treats are not only tasty but also carry symbolic meaning, representing good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Imagine the aroma of sweet and savory snacks wafting through the air as you gather with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter. Want to recreate this magical atmosphere? This Tet, why not impress your family and friends by making some of these iconic treats yourself? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!
Must-Try Tet Snacks and Simple Recipes
From crispy spring rolls to chewy coconut candies, Vietnamese Tet snacks offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Here are a few classics that are surprisingly easy to make at home:
1. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
No Tet celebration is complete without these crispy delights! Chả Giò, or fried spring rolls, are filled with savory ingredients like ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. They’re wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried to golden perfection. The crunchy exterior and flavorful filling make them irresistible.
Easy Chả Giò Recipe: You can find countless variations online, but the basic recipe involves preparing the filling, softening the rice paper wrappers, carefully rolling the spring rolls, and deep-frying them until golden brown.
Golden brown fried spring rolls on a plate.
2. Bánh Chưng (Sticky Rice Cake)
This iconic Tet treat is a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Bánh Chưng is made with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork belly, all wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for hours until tender. The process of making Bánh Chưng is often a family affair, with everyone pitching in to assemble and cook these special cakes.
Making Bánh Chưng at Home: While it requires a bit more effort, making Bánh Chưng at home is a rewarding experience. You can find detailed recipes online that guide you through the process, from soaking the rice and preparing the filling to wrapping and boiling the cakes.
3. Mứt (Fruit Candies)
Tet wouldn’t be the same without colorful trays of Mứt, or Vietnamese fruit candies. These chewy treats are made by candying fruits, vegetables, and even coconut in sugar syrup. Popular choices include candied ginger, lotus seeds, coconut strips, and kumquats.
Simple Mứt Recipe: To make Mứt at home, you can simmer your chosen fruits or vegetables in a mixture of sugar and water until they become translucent and the syrup thickens. The key is to cook them slowly over low heat to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
An assortment of colorful Vietnamese fruit candies (Mứt) arranged on a platter.
4. Kẹo Lạc (Peanut Candy)
This sweet and crunchy snack is a favorite among kids and adults alike. Kẹo Lạc is made with roasted peanuts and a caramelized sugar syrup that hardens upon cooling. The result is a delightful treat that’s both crunchy and chewy.
Quick Kẹo Lạc Recipe: Making Kẹo Lạc is surprisingly simple. You just need to cook sugar and water until it reaches a caramel-like consistency, then add roasted peanuts and stir until well coated. Spread the mixture onto a greased surface, let it cool, and break it into bite-sized pieces.
Close-up of golden Kẹo Lạc with peanuts visible in the candy.
Tips for Making Tet Snacks at Home
- Start Early: Some Tet snacks, like Bánh Chưng, require several hours of preparation and cooking. Plan ahead and start making them a few days in advance.
- Involve the Family: Making Tet snacks is a great way to bond with loved ones. Get everyone involved in the process, from preparing the ingredients to assembling and cooking the treats.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Feel free to adjust the recipes to your liking. You can use different types of fillings for your spring rolls, try different fruits for Mứt, or experiment with different types of nuts for your Kẹo Lạc.
- Have Fun: Most importantly, relax and enjoy the process! Making Tet snacks should be a joyful and rewarding experience.
Creating Lasting Tet Memories
This Tet, embark on a culinary adventure and try your hand at making some of these delicious Vietnamese snacks. Not only will you impress your loved ones with your culinary skills, but you’ll also create lasting memories filled with the flavors and aromas of Tet.
